Battle against
Crohn’s no barrier for Leah

Leah Crooks, who is graduating with a degree in Law and Politics from the School of Law at Queen's University Belfast.

Published:15:25Friday 30 June 2017

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Queen’s student, Leah Crooks from Whitehead has graduated with a degree in law and politics whilst recovering from major surgery.

Twenty-two-year-old had to withdraw temporarily from her course at Queen’s School of Law for surgery to treat Crohn’s Disease.

However, determined not to let her condition hold her back, once she was well enoughm Leah returned to Queen’s to complete her degree.

Leah has been actively involved in the student community and has undertaken numerous extracurricular activities.

A keen hockey player, she was a member of Queen’s Ladies’ Hockey Club, winning the Ulster Junior League One, the Ulster McConnell Shield, the President’s Cup and the Irish Junior Cup 2016. This was the first time Queen’s has won the title since 1972.

Speaking ahead of her graduation, Leah said: “I have wanted to practise law from a young age and Queen’s has helped me to realise my ambition.

“My course allowed me to engage with people who have a wide range of perspectives which helped to challenge my thinking and studies.

“The support I have received from Queen’s has been incredible.

“As a result of having Crohn’s Disease, I have also been assisted by disability services at the university who have helped me access a wide range of support which has been very useful throughout the course of my studies.”

Following graduation, Leah will take up a place on the solicitor course at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies at Queen’s.